Corine's CD Capsules

CORINE’S CD CAPSULES

CAPSULE COMMENTARIES

BY REVIEWS EDITOR, CORINE JURGERSON

THE CHICHARONES

When Pigs Fly

Camobear Records

Why you might love it: The majority of this album is upbeat and mixes elements of dance with old school rap. It’s obvious that The Chicharones are a laid back bunch that enjoy having fun with their lyrics and musical arrangements. The album is full of catchy choruses and old school themes. The overall rap sound is also much lighter than what is generally heard today.

Why you might hate it: Some of the lyrics are a bit corny, and the old school style doesn’t necessarily mesh with the rap that is popular today. While the lyrics are certainly fun, they borderline on cheesy, and the cheese factor probably won’t fly with today’s rap audience. After a while many of the songs start blend into one another and the album tapers off into boring land. It’s not the worst thing I’ve heard, but there are definitely better choices out there.

Overall Grade: C

CKY

An Answer Can Be Found

Island Records

Why you might love it: The latest CKY album is a rock album with some decent lyrics, guitar riffs and arrangements. There’s even an airy instrumental tune, titled “Behind the Screams”. The album isn’t hard, but its not pop-rock, either.

Why you might hate it: The album is at best, decent. None of the songs stand out or stick in your head; in general there isn’t much to get excited about. Maybe that’s the problem: the album just isn’t convincing. If it feels like the band isn’t passionate about their music, how can the listener be?

Overall Grade: C

PORCIPINE TREE

Deadwing

Lava Records

Why you might love it: This band mixes heavy and soft rock – and does it well! There’s something to be said for a band that can thrash on the guitars and thunder the drums, then launch into a sensitive, non-sucky ballad. The album is almost bi-polar and takes the listener through musical ups and downs. It’s nice to hear something a little different than everything else out there.

Why you might hate it: The cover of this one is definitely deceiving; at first glance at the album artwork and first play it seems as though you’re delving into heavy rock, when for the most part, the album is pretty mellow. The laid-back tone may be a turnoff- and the musical roller coaster might not appeal to fans of heavier rock, either. Also, some of the tracks are a bit drawn out, with lengthy guitar solos. Overall, the album isn’t bad, but it’s not my favorite.

Overall Grade: B

JAMES COMB

Nice Dream If You Can Get It

Independent

Why you might love it: James Combs is definitely one of the better independent artists out there today. Pleasant vocals and hypnotic melodies captivate the listener for the duration of the album. The overall sound is pretty mellow; you won’t hear any thrashing guitars or pounding drums. Consider it suitable for play in a coffee shop or college radio. Two notable tracks include the upbeat “Alive and Smiling” and the airy “Soft as Vapor”.

Why you might hate it: This really is a mellow album. If you’re into heavier rock or even heavier pop, this isn’t for you. In general, the album can be classified as ‘artsy’, and might bore some listeners. The album creates a mood to where the listener is almost just waiting for James Combs to break out in excitement… and it never happens.

Overall Grade: B-

CORINE’S Grading Scale:

A+ --- Gotta Have It! Run out and buy this NOW!

A --- Outstanding! Something you owe yourself to hear.

B --- Good stuff! Grab it at your convenience.

C --- Not bad! Check it out on a rainy day…

D --- Probably not one of the best choices out there…

F --- Ouch! Someone actually recorded this? Avoid at all costs!!!

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